SOCSA's production of 'Grease' sizzles

Summer nights got a whole lot better with South Orange County School of the Arts' production of "Grease." The iconic musical is set at fictional Rydell High during the 1950s, when leather jackets, poodle skirts and a little dance called the "hand jive" were all the rage. Never lacking in energy SOCSA's strong cast brought this fast-paced and fun-filled musical to life in mid-July.

Led by Shelby Barry and Andrew Fajardo, playing Sandy Dumbrowski and Danny Zuko, "Grease" was a hit. Fajardo's musical talent and Barry's charm set the stage for success.

However, "Grease" is an ensemble musical and would have been nothing if not for the incredible talents of fellow Pink Ladies Rizzo (Annalecia Wittwer), Marty (Xandy Lopez), Jan (Lucy Reidling) and Frenchy (Jesse Kenduck) as well as the T-Bird boys, Kenickie (Keegan Marquis), Doody (Spencer Martin), Roger (Justin Bright), and Sonny (Austin Timsit).

While Jan and Roger were fun to watch, with food fights and a silly song about mooning, it was Rizzo and Kenickie's relationship that had the audience spellbound. Wittwer's powerful rendition of "There Are Worse Things I Could Do" and Marquis' immersion in his character were what made the strong-willed duo so powerful and authentic.

Laughter filled the theater thanks to the impeccable comedic timing of Martin and Timsit. The jokesters of the group had some of the actors onstage trying to hold back their laughter during improvised moments, and audience members were bursting at the seams with laughter of their own.

With high energy, the ensemble helped create a feeling of being back in high school while also providing beautiful vocals and sharp dance moves all around.

Sabrina Thompson is a Cappies critic and will be a junior attending Pacifica High School in Garden Grove.